Chappy

Since I've got two sets of wheels for the CLK, I'm looking into getting some dedicated R compund tires for the 55....I would lean towards getting them in 17s and have them mounted on the stock monoblocks.

I've looked at the reviews, etc. on Tire Rack, and they all seem to favor the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup. I could justify the expense of these if they lasted 40-50 heat cycles.

Anybody with real-world feedback in a W208 car to chime in?

One other thing: On occasion, I may want to drive to the track with the tires pre-mounted, so this would be a purchase consideration as well.

egxpimp

I have no idea, but i can tell you, that the bstones suck! and i'm happy that your staying away from them

blackbenzz

I'm happy with the Toyo RA1's. They are much stickier than the PS2's I had on previously. I drive with the rims/tires on the car to the track. They are worth a look. I havent driven hard around corners or anything with themon yet so no feedback in that regard.

Dave OH

If you want a tire thats going to last a while... Try the Toyo RA-1. The Hoosier R6 is a good tire, but its not going to last very long. The Kumho V710 is too soft to be a lasting road course Rcomp. That being said, I've had decent luck with them for almost weekly autocross use with an occaisional track day thrown in. The PSC (pilot sport cup) isnt even close to being worth the money... way too damn expensive and won't last anywhere near 40-50 heat cycles.

How often do you plan on getting to the track. I would definitely suggest you try the RA-1 first. If you can find some Kumho Victoracer (V700) that are slightly used you could get a feel for rcomps on the cheap that way. Also, I have some somewhat busted V710s that you can pretty much have if you want to try them as well.

Chappy

Thanks for the feedback guys! As far as the Toyo RA1s are concerned, what sizes are you running? I didn't see anything close to stock configuration on their sizing chart....

http://www.toyoad.com/proxesra1_specs.html

blackbenzz

I'm running 275/35/18

rsr911

Chappy,

My guys in Porsche club and who also have BMW M3s sware by the Michelin Pilot Sport Cups.

-O

crv1

I have run several different tires on a clk500. I do alot of autox and track days. My recommendation would also be the RA1. Great Bang for the buck and excellent grip and you can safely drive to the track in good weather.
They get better and better with age. For the fastest tire the v710 or the hoosier are the best. Down side is in a heavy car and if you are agressive they will go Fast. I use the 275 ra1s all the way around. I put the rears wheels in the front with a 5m spacer. Your car has a different front set-up and Ive been told you may have more room. Not positive.
the v710 are wider than the RA1s so 245 275 on 7.5-8.5.
On the street or autox with street tires its tough to beat the yok advan neovo's.
I run 235 265. I just did a porsche event and I ran the 275 ra1s in front and the 265 yoks in the rear (usually not reccommended to mix street and race but the yoks are close to the ra1s). I was actually able to get the rear to transion nicely. Usually it pushes (understeer) pretty bad. I also was racing a spec 944. I was a few seconds faster in the clk and faster than 90 percent of the porsches too. I would also suggest a stiff front swaybay to help spirited driving tire wear. I have the H and R. Down side is you feel alot more bumps. Upside is at leat 50% of the bodyroll is gone and the corners are so much more fun. You could comprimise with an amg front sway bar.
good luck

AMG_55

for what its worth,
i had yokohama a032r on a daily driven e36 m3 and they were the ****, when they got hot the grip was unbelievable, never tracked it (the canyons are my racetrack ). i went into a few corners too fast (way too fast, on 1 occasion i forgeot there was a corner , i was probably not sober ), i slammed on the brakes (stock) and the car shed speed like to the power of 100000000 (lack of better word)

ashutt

crv1, I am unclear. You suggest a front AMG sway-bar but Chappy already has a front and rear AMG sway-bar in his CLK 55 AMG. Am I missing something?

Fifth Ring

My vote is for the RA-1s. If you want to drop down to a street tire that's close to an R-compound, you could look at the Falken 615.